Bentley has taken the covers off the new V8 version of its Continental GT.
The 4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged petrol engine is available on both the standard GT and GT Convertible, slotting in the range underneath the top-end W12.
The V8 develops 542bhp and 700Nm of torque – about 80bhp and 200Nm less than the range-topping model – and can get the GT from 0-60mph in 3.9 seconds, just 0.2 seconds slower than the W12 model. Top speed is 198mph.
Although the V8 isn’t supposed to be the most efficient engine in the world, it can deactivate cylinders while cruising – while the eight-speed automatic transmission also comes with a start-stop function.
Both the hard-top and the Convertible come with 20-inch, 10-spoke alloys as standard, with nine other alloy options available up to 22-inch. There are also seven standard body colours and new quad exhausts to distinguish it from the W12 model. V8 badging is also found around the model.
Bentley offers the Convertible with seven different cloth roof colour options, including a tweed finish.
To help deliver the best driving experience possible, Bentley fits the Continental GT V8 with all-wheel drive with rear-wheel bias, air suspension and an adaptive Dynamic Ride System, with continuous damping consistently altering how the dampers respond depending on the road.
Pricing for the Continental GT V8 and Convertible are yet to be confirmed, but expect them to be a a few thousand pounds less than the £156,700 and £165,600 starting prices of the W12 Coupe and Convertible versions.
